CEDIA Sells Its Trade Show to Emerald Expositions

To CEDIA CEO Vin Bruno, his organization’s future lies in developing the industry’s next workforce—boys and girls that are sixth graders now. But to properly build awareness with the next generation of members and evolve its current educational tools and to generate more consumer awareness, CEDIA needed to make a big change.

That’s part of the reason why CEDIA has sold ownership of its annual convention to Emerald Expositions, the largest trade show operator in the United States. Bruno said that with the resources that the association will now have available, CEDIA will seek to address the most important needs of our members: workforce development, education delivered more conveniently to members, consumer awareness, industry outreach, and providing more robust digital tools that will drive business to CEDIA members. At the same time, Emerald will bring considerable expertise, energy and fresh ideas to the show, helping to improve the experience for all participants in the years ahead.

“The future is bright for CEDIA members and the show,” Bruno said.

CEDIA will continue to be deeply involved in the show, Bruno assured, working hand-in-hand with Emerald on overall show direction, as well as retaining control and ownership of all educational programming.

“CEDIA first and foremost serves its members, and as home technology continues to proliferate, our members need comprehensive tools, resources, and support to assert their position as the single point of contact for technology in the home,” Bruno said. “Emerald acquiring and consequently taking over the operational responsibilities of the show will allow CEDIA to reallocate staff to develop programs and initiatives that will drive member success across the board.”

CEDIA chairman Dennis Erskine added, “More than half of the CEDIA professional staff spends the majority of their time annually preparing for the show; as the board and CEDIA leadership considered Emerald’s offer, we saw this as an incredible opportunity to concentrate on bolstering the year-round CEDIA member experience.”

David Loechner, president and CEO, Emerald Expositions, is excited to add the CEDIA show to his company’s portfolio. “It is very successful with a rich history, which is a testament to the CEDIA organization and its members,” he said. “I am confident that the combination of Emerald’s deep experience, professional capabilities, and unrivalled scale in operating trade shows, together with CEDIA’s clear vision, market affinity, and preeminent educational content will propel the show forward for the benefit of the entire industry.”

2017 will be a transitional year operationally as CEDIA will continue to manage many facets of the show, working alongside the Emerald team. Beyond 2017, Emerald will be responsible for all operational aspects of the show excluding educational programming and the CEDIA Awards event. Emerald has deep knowledge of the trade show business as the largest show operator in the United States. They run shows in numerous industry sectors, including gift, home and general merchandise, sports, design, construction and technology.

In fact it was the example of the kitchen and bath industry’s trade association turning the operation of its KBIS show to Emerald that gave Bruno the most confidence in its ability to add a spark to a show. “KBIS was struggling as a trade show, then Emerald turned it around,” Bruno explained. “This year’s show was amazing.”

CEDIA will continue to be very involved with the direction of its trade show to ensure that it continues to be the industry’s leading event. “It won't lose its character and will continue to be an amazing environment for networking and friendship,” Bruno said. “Whether an exhibitor or an attendee, your expectations will continue to be not only met, but exceeded.”

CEDIA members will continue to enjoy complimentary access to the show floor, special savings on all CEDIA education and training, and preferential access to hotel blocks based on join date. Exhibiting member companies will continue to enjoy savings on their booth space and accrue priority points for booth selection. The 2017 CEDIA show will take place September 5-9, with the tradeshow floor open September 7-9, in San Diego, with future show locations identified and space booked through 2023.

“The stage has been set for so many exciting opportunities for CEDIA to amplify the support we provide to our members. Our agreement with Emerald lets CEDIA concentrate on our members’ needs, while allowing a professional trade show company to deliver a premier trade show for all attendees,” Bruno said.